Zamal Nixon went perfect from the free-throw line, making 11 shots. He led the Cougars in scoring with 17 points, and also dished out five assists and four steals. Aaron Cisneros/The Daily Cougar
The Cougars can breathe a sigh of relief after snapping their five-game losing streak with a 79-68 victory over Tulane in front of 5,144 — the largest announced attendance of the season at Hofheinz Pavilion.
Maurice McNeil led the way for the Cougars (12-11, 4-6 Conference USA), notching his eighth double-double of the season with 15 points and 11 rebounds. McNeil was one of five UH players to score in double figures.
Tulane (12-12, 2-9) got off to a fast start, scoring on their first three possessions and jumping out to an 8-0.
The Cougars overcame their lackadaisical start and went on a 15-3 run in the next five-and-a-half minutes of play. They never trailed again.
“We came out kind of sluggish, but kept our composure,” Zamal Nixon said. “When we got the lead we just wanted to keep building on it. That’s what we did.”
Nixon led the Cougars with 17 points and was clutch from the free-throw line, making all 11 attempts. Alandise Harris added 11 points, Adam Brown and Kendrick Washington each scored 10.
Post play makes the difference
Brown had an off night, shooting 4-13, but the UH big men produced. The front line of McNeil, Washington and Harris were a combined 15-24 from the field.
Head coach James Dickey was pleased with the Cougars’ energy in the performance.
“For the most part, our execution was good,” Dickey said. “We had a balance from the inside out. We scored some points off turnovers. Our defense was good, and we converted.
“I’m happy that we won. Now we just have to go back to work and get ready for SMU.”
The Cougars will take on the Mustangs (15-9, 6-4) at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Hofheinz Pavilion.
